[February
07, 2013]SPRINGFIELD -- Beginning March
1, with few exceptions, all federal benefits, including Social
Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits, are to be paid
electronically. That's according to a rule from the U.S. Department
of the Treasury.
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Seniors warned about a scam to get cash

Dept. on
Aging offers clues that someone may be victim of financial
exploitation

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois
Department on Aging Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., is warning
seniors about an attempt to scam seniors and steal their money. The
department is acting to alert Illinois seniors, based on a report by
Springfield police that two elderly females fell victim to the scam.
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Start the new year right with 'This Golden Age' at
the Atlanta
Community House

ATLANTA -- Let's get moving! The
Atlanta Public Library's popular "This Golden Age" series for folks
over 50 continues on Tuesday with a visit from Illinois Wesleyan
choreographer Jean Kerr. This event is the perfect antidote for the
post-holiday blahs and a great way to start the new year right --
for both mind and body.
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Social Security announces new online services available with a 'my
Social Security' account

SPRINGFIELD -- Michael J. Astrue,
commissioner of Social Security, announced Monday that the agency is
expanding the services available with a "my Social Security"
account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning
in their working years and continuing throughout the time they
receive Social Security benefits. More than 60 million Social
Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients
can now access their benefit verification letter, payment history
and earnings record instantly using their online account. Social
Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or
change direct deposit information online.
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Financial wellness can be yours in 2013

By Judith
Bartels, Social Security district manager in
Springfield

SPRINGFIELD -- January is
Financial Wellness Month -- a great time to think about your own
financial future. It also happens to be at this time that many
people make resolutions for the New Year. Why not combine the two
and make your own financial wellness a resolution for 2013?
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(BPT) -- By now, almost everyone
knows the dangers of texting or talking on a cellphone while
driving. But phones aren't the only distractions drivers should be
aware of. Experts say that anything that draws your attention away
from the road can be a potential cause of an accident. That includes
actions and situations as innocuous as snacking behind the wheel or
postponing a bathroom break.
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A 'raise' for people who get Social Security

SPRINGFIELD -- As we ring in a new
year, we can expect to see a number of changes. Social Security is
no exception. In 2013, people who receive Social Security or
Supplemental Security Income payments will see their benefits
increase.
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Attention caregivers: Federal benefit checks are going
all-electronic

(BPT) -- More than 65 million
people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or elderly
family member or friend, according to the National Alliance for
Caregiving. In addition to providing emotional and physical support,
caregivers are often entrusted to help their loved ones carry out
financial decisions.
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Why Alzheimer's should factor into your retirement plan

(BPT) -- In an ideal world, you
will retire and enjoy many years fulfilling your dreams and spending
time with those you love the most. Your retirement years can be some
of the happiest and most enjoyable years of your life. But while we
all hope for the best outcome possible, it may be prudent for you to
plan for the possibility that life may deal you a difficult hand.
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